300% mark up on Social Workers registration fee is outrageous - Mythen

Cllr Johnny Mythen has criticised the new €295 registration fee that all social workers will have to pay from next May in order to continue practicing in the State. The Sinn Féin rep said that the fee was grossly unfair when compared with fees applicable to other professionals like nurses and doctors and amounts to a financial punishment on workers who have already seen their wages cut by at least 14% in the last three years.

Cllr Mythen said;

“From May 2013, every social worker in Ireland will be compelled to pay a €295 registration fee. This is compared to €55 - €80 for a nurse or doctor. On this basis alone it is grossly unfair, cutting into social workers wages at a time when every euro is budgeted for in the family household.”

“Every day they go to work, these workers face the harsh and cold reality of life. Everyone is aware of the huge increases of addictions, family break-downs, alcoholism and child abuse. These social workers provide a safety net for thousands of people in dire straits.”

“To impose a registration fee of €295 on social workers who have already been cut 14% in real wages is unjust. The social workers have no problem with paying a registration fee and know that it protects their profession and provides a higher standard. However this fee is far too high. The reality is the embargo on recruitment, the retirement of former colleagues and the ever increasing work load is causing enough pressure without what must be termed as a financial punishment on the very people who willingly put their finger in the dam on a daily basis.”